LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Floyd County has been dealing with problems with first responders for the better part of a year, and they keep coming.
Now, a Floyd County fire chief is on administrative leave. It started with Jamey Noel being removed from New Chapel EMS, after fraud allegations. That led to the county overhauling its EMS coverage, creating the Highlander Fire Protection District as part of the solution.
Highlander Fire is set to get paid nearly $250,000 by Floyd County, just through the end of this year, to expand and provide EMS service. But now, Highlander Fire's chief has been put on administrative leave and an investigation is underway.
The Highlander Fire Chief, Jeremy Klein, has been on paid administrative leave since July 4, and his sudden suspension has prompted an investigation.
“Some things came up on July the third, and we met with some individuals and on July 4th we put him on paid administrative leave,” said Ron Webber, the trustee that helps oversee the operation of the Highland Fire Department, said.
Webber told WDRB he "can't elaborate" on the investigation and can't talk about the "personnel issues" facing the now suspended Chief Klein.
“We have hired an outside investigator to look into this,” said Webber.
Bill Lyskowinski, a retired volunteer fire chief from Lanesville, said he was surprised by the news.
“I couldn't believe it, he didn't seem like the kinda guy that would get into trouble,” Lyskowinski said.
He said he knew Klein but it's been a few years since their paths have crossed.
“Like I said he has been there for years, but the guy that is taking his place Herthel, I do know him, and he is a very capable man taking over," Lyskowinski said.
In just a few months, the Highlander Fire Department will assume all of the EMS service for their area.
WDRB is told the sudden change in leadership, and the ongoing investigation will not put the department and the people they serve at risk.
Previous Coverage:
- Floyd County, Indiana considers options other than New Chapel for ambulance service
- Clock is ticking as Floyd County leaders still work to find new EMS provider
- Floyd County leaders still figuring out plans, funding for EMS service
- Floyd County running out of time to find new ambulance provider after split from New Chapel EMS
- New Chapel EMS loses bid to provide ambulance service in Floyd County
- Investigators looking into whether Jamey Noel used New Chapel credit card for daughters' college tuition
- New Chapel Fire and EMS suing former chief Jamey Noel for credit card spending
- New search warrant accuses Jamey Noel of using fire department funds for high-end clothing
- Rocked by allegations against former CEO Jamey Noel, New Chapel Fire and EMS is restructuring
- Investigators looking into whether millions in credit card charges linked to Jamey Noel were paid with public funds
- Floyd County looks to separate from EMS service company once operated by Jamey Noel
- Floyd County leaders seeking new ambulance service as response times, legal issues complicate the future
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